M.O. Kenyan's Blog, page 4

Chapter 20- SUNSET

Solara didn’t move. His head didn’t even lift.

“Her throat is burning,” Solara muttered. He stepped into their minds and saw everything as they did. 

The burning in her throat was stronger, she wanted to lick the blood on her fingers, but the idea of it repulsed her. Before she knew what she was doing, she brought it to her lips. Stephan watched realizing this would be the only way she would come to terms with her new life. He called Solara from the other room. It was his turn now, he had to explain the why, an answer only he knew. He went to her and knelt by her feet, he pulled her fingers from her lips and looked at the confused expression on her face. Her hands were over her ears, trying to block out all the voices that were assaulting her. But the more she tried not to hear the louder the voices got.

When the pain was too much, he leaped out. His body trembled from the after-effects of immersing himself into two worlds and straining his gift. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t control myself. I thought at the time that I was doing what was best for us. For us to be together, I love you and wouldn’t hurt you intentionally. I only hope that one day I will deserve your forgiveness. I should not have imposed my wishes on you.”

Kayla backed away from him. Solara was on his feet taking slow steps towards her as she took steps away from him. She was shaking her head, unable to understand what he was saying to her, and trying to shake off all the voices in her head. They stopped when she was backed into a corner. She sank to the ground and pulled her knees to her chest. She cradled and rocked herself. 

The sight of it tore through Solara. He turned back to Stephan looking for help to soothe her pain.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” Kayla screamed out. A gasp escaped her lips when she realized that neither Solara nor Stephan were speaking. “She wants a glass of milk. He loves her but he’s afraid to tell her.”I don’t want to hear. I don’t want to hear. She looked up at Solara, pleading eyes fixed on his devastated one, Help me!

“She can read minds. It’s torturing her. She thinks she’s going crazy. What do I do?” Solara sat next to her on the floor.

“I want Scarlet. Take me home. I want to go home.” Kayla spoke her voice wheezing out of her lips. 

“You can’t go, home baby, you need to stay here for a while. You may hurt Scarlet so I need to teach you a few things before you see her.” He was talking to her as if she was a child.

She rocked herself in the corner for a while longer. Stephan had taken the blood away to the kitchen. He was going to put it in a glass for her. They needed to get through this part too. He hoped it would go as smoothly as possible. Solara’s gasp had him running back to the living room. Kayla was sitting on his lap in his arms. He was surprised but didn’t know what to make of it. Maybe she had forgiven him, besides that is what people who are in love do. Forgive, understand and accept each other, maybe Scarlet would accept him as Kayla had accepted her life and Solara’s mistake.

“My throat is burning, does that mean I want blood?” She looked up at Stephan for the answer, the man she was snuggled into did not seem to be of any use at the moment. “And the voices in my head…”

***

Stephan gave her a weak smile. He deduced that Solara and Kayla might have had a conversation in their way. That was why he didn’t hear the pleading and the begging and Kayla finally forgiving him. They had something special.

He went back to the kitchen and got her two glasses, “You need to drink this, both of them. The small cup is human blood the other animal blood. You need to control your thirst as soon as now. The human blood will help you in the sunlight, they make your tattoos fade a bit, and they dissolve into your skin color.” She nodded, he hoped she understood, for the sake of Scarlet.

Stephan had to leave, Scarlet would be awake soon and he had to get back to her. “Kayla I need to go, I have to explain this to Scarlet. You will be fine Solara will take care of you.” Stephan thought that she would have to take care of Solara. Though Kayla seemed to be taking the situation well, he hadn’t come out of his frozen state. He was lucky that she loved him enough to look past the betrayal, he hoped that he was half as lucky.

He grabbed his jacket and walked out of the apartment hoping the day would end better than it had begun.

***

Stephan walked up to the front door, dreading what he was about to do. How was he going to tell her what he was what his friend had done to Kayla? He walked into the house Vincent was on the sofa watching television. Scarlet wasn’t down yet it was still early so he didn’t think she was even awake. He went to her room, she was still in bed but awake. She pulled the covers down inviting him to join her. His heart always melted whenever she did that, she was not only welcoming him to her bed but to her life she trusted him and he was about to break that trust.

He kicked off his boots and lay beside her, he held her in his arms. He wasn’t going to tell her right away, he would hold on to that moment just in case things didn’t turn out as she hoped. She drifted back to sleep as she often did when he held her. He began to plan out his words.

***

Scarlet got up to go to work, she was so happy. She always had this look in the mornings after they had made love. She never asked him where he went off to in the middle of the night and he never volunteered the information. The three of them got into the car and headed to the diner. 

Stephan drove in silence, he didn’t take his eyes off the road but he occasionally kissed her hand. He didn’t know what to do but he would wait to tell her until that evening. He had asked Vincent to play waitress yet again for Kayla. When Scarlet asked why he told her she wasn’t well. With all technicalities observed he hadn’t lied, she wasn’t well she was far from it. She was dead, the living dead to be more precise.

Scarlet informed Joany that Vincent would cover Kayla’s shift that day, that way he would still have to pay her. Stephan stepped out a couple of times when he thought Scarlet was too busy to notice. He had to call Solara for an update on the newborn. So far so good, Kayla understood, what was happening to her and was accepting it. She also agreed to stay away from all human contact as she learned how to control her urges, but wanted Scarlet to know the truth. She also seemed to be in love with her new tattoos, especially because of what they represented, and was sad to see them disappear. She seemed to take it well especially when she was informed that she would get new talents with her immortality.

Stephan thought that she had come a long way since that morning. Kayla embraced her new life. She had also promised to help Stephan with Scarlet in the event things became ugly. Solara also seemed happy, she had forgiven him and now he could start forgiving himself. He had to see that what he had given her was not a curse but more time with him.

Stephan decided to tell Vincent what had happened the previous night when he went on his break. He wasn’t pleased about it at first he thought it had been a very careless decision on Solara’s part. But he went on to joke about how he would have to watch his tongue now that she could kill him. Vincent was always light-hearted wanting to see the best in every situation. Stephan wondered why he didn’t find someone to love.

Stephan got a call from Solara he sounded frantic, he gave Scarlet an excuse and told Vincent he was on guard duty before leaving. He made his way to the apartment door, he could hear breaking noises coming from inside. When he walked in the house was in chaos, Solara was holding Kayla down in the next room. He thought the easy-breezy transformation was too good to be true. It was going to take longer than they thought for her to be let out into the world again.

“What happened?” Kayla was kicking into the air trying to break the hold Solara had around her, Stephan crouched next to them holding her legs down.

“She caught the neighbor’s scent and went crazy. We have to get her out of here. She can’t be around people, it’s not helping.” Solara was concerned about the situation they were in. Where could they take her that it would be far away from people and still be around the bay area?

Kayla stopped fidgeting, and looked straight at Stephan, she had heard and understood everything they had said. Stephan was glad that she could still communicate when in a state of frenzy, maybe they could reason with her. They had to force her to adapt to her new life as fast and as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to leave here. I don’t want to leave Scarlet.” She had calmed down now. They now had an answer to what now they needed to know how to put it to her without angering her.

 Stephan looked her straight in the eye and spoke to her as one would do to a child. “You can’t be eating your neighbors just because you are thirsty. You need to control your thirst or I won’t let you anywhere near Scarlet. Do you hear me?” he knew demanding it was not a good idea but he was getting desperate. He stood his ground even when she let out a snarl, Solara didn’t move from where he was so he assumed that she wouldn’t attack him.

When Kayla nodded at him he knew that she had accepted his conditions and hoped she would not make any more trouble for them. She had to learn and if it were under any other conditions he would have let her come around it on her own time. But now he couldn’t risk it, the life of the woman they both loved depended on it. He thought a week would be sufficient time for her to have adapted only then would she see Scarlet.

He left them but promised to check on them the next day, as for now, he had to find a way to tell Scarlet why they had her friend locked up. He thought that she would also need time to accept the idea, she would need to prepare herself mentally before she came face to face with her friend again.

***

Stephan sat across from her on the bed, she had her legs crossed in front of her. She looked calm enough to take the news, and if things took a turn for the worst he would deal with them. He had sent Vincent to Solara to help him with Kayla, they were alone to deal with this with no interruptions. He would start with his past and work his way to the present and if it got too much for her to handle he would leave Kayla’s situation for another day.

“Honey, I need to tell you something and I don’t know how you will react and that scares me. It’s about me, my past, and how it seems to have followed me to the present.” He paused there he wanted to read her reaction so far, she still looked calm. She stroked his cheek before putting her hands on his, she said nothing but sat there waiting and listening.

“Before I start I need you to have an open mind.” When she nodded he continued he couldn’t stop now, it was now or never. “I am not from around here, from this time at least. I was born in the early eighteen hundreds and grew up here but back then it wasn’t much. All there was were little cottages and we living off the water. Anyway one day I decided to take a walk on my own, I needed to clear my head I had just been drafted into the army and I was leaving the day after. I was walking along the shores when two women approached me they were beautiful so I didn’t think they would pose any danger.

“We were enjoying each other’s company when one of them attacked me from the back. They had me pinned to the ground in a second. I panicked but couldn’t fight my way out of their hold, they were strong too strong to be humans. One of them slit bit me and the other slit her wrist and put her bloodied arm over my mouth, she held it open as the blood dripped into my mouth. My body was in pain and this incredible heat burned through me. I lost consciousness a few seconds later.

“When I came to, my body still felt like it was burning, I was soaking wet from sweat. Everything was clearer, my eyesight, my hearing, and my sense of smell. It was as if my senses were boosted to the maximum. I noticed that there was someone in the room with me, I didn’t think he could be human he had a strange smell and his heartbeat too fast.” He stopped before he continued he knew what he was about to say next would revolt her but she had to hear it. 

“I killed him. I fed on him and he died because of it. Everything in my body wanted to taste his blood and my throat burned for it, so I fed on him. He tried to fight me off but I was too strong for him.

“Anyway after I did this the two women from the previous night came to me. They told me that they had made me into one of them and the transformation was complete. They had given me immortality by turning me into a monster. I had both the venom of a vampire and the blood of a beast running through my veins. They had created me for both of them, to be used by them….”

He stopped when he saw the look on Scarlet’s face. She didn’t say anything but he could tell what she was thinking. She drew back her hands, got off the bed, and headed for the door. Somehow Stephan appeared before her, he didn’t want to scare her but since it was full disclosure he thought that he should be himself. 

***

Scarlet froze and stared at him, he was insane…she was alone in a house with a lunatic.

Oh God, how did I get here? 

She was getting hysterical, she took about a second to calm down, one of them had to have a grip on reality, and since didn’t seem to she had to be the designated lucid gal in the room.

“Don’t be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you I could never hurt you I love you.” Stephan looked like was getting desperate now. 

“Okay let’s calm down here.” Scarlet was searching for another exit out of the room, she grunted when she realized her best shot was through the window. She had to decide whether to reason with the crazy man or take a chance with gravity.

Stephan sank to the floor, his head hang and his legs sprawled carelessly on the floor. He looked like a broken man. She stopped planning her escape and looked at him, she felt pity for him. She wondered whether she believed what he was saying. She decided to give him a chance to explain himself.

Chapter 19- SUNSET TO SUNRISE

They spent the next night at home. It didn’t compare to the previous night but he was there with her. That was what mattered to her the most. She slept as she always did, in his arms.

Kayla twirled around the room in her black lace lingerie, enjoying the effect it had on Solara. He watched memorizing how she looked from each angle. It was a good thing he didn’t need to breathe because at that moment he could catch his breath. He lifted her off the floor and pushed her back against the wall. Solara let himself explore and enjoy her smooth ebony skin. Kayla swallowed hard as she looked into Solara’s eyes and let him take his pleasure from her.

He lowered his head on her neck, his lips planting fatherly kisses along her skin.

She shivered as his cool breathes against her skin sent electric ripples through her body.

Kayla was startled when his soft lips were replaced with his teeth. They scratched against her skin. Her eyes were wide open as she stifled her scream. She could feel his teeth sink into her flesh. Kayla struggled against his hold on her but couldn’t budge. She tried pulling his head away with both her hands, but the harder she pulled the deeper his teeth sank.

Pain soared through her as her limbs drooped down and a second later she was in darkness.

***

  Stephan had to tell Scarlet the truth now, how could he not. How would he be able to explain this? He would have to tell her the whole truth. The phone conversation played back in his head. 

How could he be so careless?

 He had warned him about this, controlling how physical he got with her and being careful. 

He knocked on Solara’s door he had to check the damage before he said anything to Scarlet. The door swung open, and he stomped in.

“Where is she?” Stephan was worried because Kayla was the only family she had, and now Scarlet would have no one. He didn’t know how she would be able to handle it. He went straight into the bedroom. Solara had beaten him into the room. He was at her side holding her hand. Expressions of pain were vivid on her face. The venom. He looked down at his friend before asking the next question. He looked wounded, but he would have to face the result of his actions.

“How much did you take from her?” Kayla looked pale, maybe because of the transformation taking place, or that he drunk too much from her.

“I didn’t, I was kissing her, and we were making love and…And then I bit her. It got out of control. I didn’t know what I was doing….” He trailed off, when he finally spoke again he raised his head and looked at Stephan. Shame was written all over his face. Surprised he didn’t speak he waited, praying that what he assumed wasn’t true.

 “When I bit her I didn’t try to suck the venom out. I wanted her to change.” His voice was like that of a small boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“By the time I realized it wasn’t the right thing, my venom had already spread.” Sobs escaped his lips. Stephan wondered why he would soon get what he wanted, she would be damned just like he was, and he did have enough time to apologize for it. He had forever.

“Forever is not enough to make her accept what I have done to her.”

 He wondered how her life would be like, would she able to control her thirst. Solara would be able to help with that. He had turned vegetarian for her, and he was well familiar, with the behaviors of a newborn. She wouldn’t be able to see her best friend for a while or ever. It depended on her and what feeling was stronger. The love for her friend or her thirst for her blood.

“What do I do? I know you have dealt with transformations before Stephan, tell me what to do.” He pleaded with him, it saddened him to see him in this kind of situation.

“Don’t worry she is a strong girl. You have to be prepared for when she wakes up. Her thirst will burn through her and all she will want in those few minutes is to feed. Go hunt I will sit with her for a while.”

He could see that leaving her killed him, but he needed time to himself to think, and being out would help him. Stephan had to come up with a way to explain this to her, in case Solara wouldn’t be able to. He began to like Kayla, she had grown on him. Her taunts and sarcastic outbursts amused him. They were spending a lot of time together, all four of them. Part of him felt like he owed her for Solara’s cooled temperament. He no longer hated him nor tolerated him, he now could find truth in the word friend.

Kayla was beautiful, her chocolate skin was unblemished. He wondered how she would look like once the transformation was complete. He would see in the morning, they all would. Morning! That would be something to look forward to, the tattoos that would adorn her skin in the sunlight. 

They would mirror that of Solara, her creator. He thought that she would look beautiful, just like Sotera did, he wasn’t sure what she would think about it. Kayla’s thoughts and views weren’t like everyone else’s. She was usually on the wrong side. There was no way of telling what she would think. One thing was for sure, the marks would show that he was hers. That was the one thing he envied about the vampires, you could always tell who their families were, and as for their mates, other marks would be made.

 Her phone was ringing. It was Scarlet. She had called a couple of times that night. He could imagine what was going through her head. There was nothing he could do for her. He put her phone on silent and put it in the desk drawer. They had to wait until she woke up, before making any decisions. It had to be Kayla’s choice. They owed her that since it was someone else’s choice that had them in this situation.

***

It was morning, Solara was back, and he breezed into the room with a bag in his hands. “Any change?”

No, but don’t worry she will be up soon. Soon her eyes would open to a different world. They would have to explain to her what was happening to her. Where would they start, how could they make her understand? He decided that he would give Solara a chance to explain himself, he had to. He would only step in when he was needed. 

He sat next to her at her head and played with her hair. “She is so beautiful. I hope she forgives me. She has to forgive me.”

“One thing she will do is take off your head. You’re in big trouble, my friend.” Stephan laughed, he could see her face. The fact that she was a million times stronger did not favor his friend in any way. He looked at the bag Solara had brought with him, he caught the scent of human blood.

“Are you sure you want to do that, I understand why but you could have diluted it a bit.” using his head he gestured towards the blood. Pure human blood would only make her stronger, but it would also cause her to go into a desperate frenzy. But she would be able to walk in the sunlight. Kayla needed to control her desires for the sake of Scarlet. 

“I meant to ask you how you are going to handle the tattoos and the sun. You will have to explain to her what they are and the effect the sun will have on her skin without the human blood. You have to teach her to feed out of need and not want. I know you vamps can’t stay without a bit of blood in your systems for the sake of keeping appearances, but you could teach her to control it.” He was worried but he trusted him to handle it.

***

As the sun raised so did Kayla. Her eyes searched around the room. Stephan could imagine what she felt at that moment. They both could, they went through the same transformation, although Stephan’s was a bit more complicated. She sat up and searched the room looking at everything and nothing in particular. Her hand flew to her throat, it felt like it was burning, but she couldn’t understand why.  

Solara was beside her, he looked worried, and the sun was streaming into the room. She brought her hand up to cradle his face but stopped mid-air. Strange tattoos were running up her arm, she began wondering when she got them, they weren’t there last night. She followed the tattoo, one in particular. A wavy line went up her arm and disappeared into her slip. There was another that ran to her back. She tried rubbing them off, she was sure they were watercolor. As she rubbed on them another line formed from her ring finger, she panicked as she watched it crawl up her arm and into her cleavage. 

Solara tried to wrap his arms around her, to calm her down. He couldn’t hold on to her as she pushed her way out of his arms and rushed to the dressing mirror. A terrified shriek ripped through her throat, she was hysterical now. Rubbing her legs and arms frantically.

 “What’s happening to me, what’s going on?”

They watched her unable to help her, not daring to answer her, nature had to take its course. The tattoos were her identity, a symbol to show where and who she belonged to. 

She was crying now at least she thought she was, but no tears were running down her cheeks as they should be. She traced her finger under her eye, nothing. The hysteria passed and confusion set in. She turned around and faced her audience, they didn’t look shocked as they should have they were more worried than anything else. She tried to calm herself down looking for every rational explanation for the tattoos on her body and her dried up tear ducts.

***

“Kayla, I need you to come sit here for a minute. I know you are confused but I can explain what is happening to you. We both will.” Stephan tried to salvage the little sanity that was left in the room, Solara was frozen at the foot of the bed. He didn’t seem to be any help at the moment, so he would have to do this alone.

He was formulating a plan of action in his mind when Kayla spoke again. It seemed the events of the previous night had come back to her. Apart from the obvious, her attire had filled that gap. 

She stared down at Solara, “Why did you bite me last night. After that, all I could feel is excruciating pain and nothing. I was in total darkness after that. What did you give me?” 

 “I can explain that to you, Kayla, I just need you to listen to me and for you to be calm.” Stephan was pleading with her now.

She raised her nose into the air and sniffed, there was a sweet smell in the air and she followed it into the other room. The bag was on the table, the same bag Solara had come in with that morning. “What is this, it smells so good.” Stephan was behind her now nervous.

She opened the bag and shoved around the contents, she could feel something liquid in a plastic bag. She removed her hand from the bag and jumped back in shock. Her fingers were covered in blood.

“That is what I am trying to explain to you, Kayla.” He took both her arms and led her to the sofa. He thought of telling her what Solara did and how it affected her. He thought he would leave the why to him. Only he could explain his reasons clearly, and at that moment he didn’t think because I love you would do. A crumpled heap on the floor, Solara was not going to be any help.

“Kayla, Solara, and I are not of this world, we are immortals…..” he continued to tell her of Solara being a vampire and of him being a half-vampire. He then told her of him biting her and the venom changing her into one of them. When she asked about the tattoos, he told her it was the identity of her creator and Solara had one like hers, only different in a few places. 

He thought she understood him and was surprised with how calmly she took it all until she burst out laughing. “So you are trying to tell me that you two are vampires and my boyfriend bit me and turned me. Does Scarlet know you are crazy?” She chuckled but when she lifted her stained hand to her face.

Stephan saw the myriad of emotions playing on her face. He needed an in. “Solara get up. Tell me what she is thinking.”

Chapter 18- NEW CHANCES

“What are you so happy about?” Stephan’s elated mood did not escape Solara he was curious. He tried reading his mind looking for loopholes but couldn’t find one.

“Don’t bother Solara, you won’t get anything from me so stop. You are giving me a headache.” Stephan could always feel it when someone was trying to invade his space. It was the one thing he had appreciated the most, he could sense danger a mile away.

Stephan could see how exhausted Scarlet was and thought about canceling the night. It would be a waste. Tomorrow would be Sunday she could sleep in, he hoped she would be able to stay awake for that night even if it meant for a few minutes.

“Let’s go,” Scarlet tone was full of exhaustion. Kayla was standing next to her, holding her as a crutch.

Stephan got up to hold her and she leaned against his chest. He walked her to the car and strapped her in on the passenger seat. Earlier on he had asked Solara to take Kayla and Vincent along with him. He headed in the opposite direction from her home, he knew she was tired but he would give her the surprise anyway.

“We are heading the wrong way.” She had adjusted the seat so that she could lean back and get comfortable.

She peeped at him through her half-opened eyes and she noticed the same smile he had earlier in the diner. He was planning something, she could easily tell, but she didn’t know if she was up to it.

“I thought we could pass the night off somewhere else. Don’t worry you can sleep until we get there.” He took her hand and squeezed it gently before he let go. He reached to the back seat and took his jacket so that he could cover her with it.

She was drifting into sleep when the car came to a halt. She had barely closed her eyes and they were there. Unwillingly she opened her eyes and the smell of the ocean rushed into her nose. She sat up straight and looked around. They were back at the beach.

She could remember the first time he had brought her there, the moon and the ocean. When he asked her to dance for him, under the stars. When he held her tight in his arms, kissing her. She felt her stomach knot, and her palms got sweaty. The thought of having another night with him there washed the exhaustion out of her body.

Stephan carried her to the little linen tent he had made and set her down on her feet in front of it.

She stood in silence trying to take it all in. It was beautiful the linen rolled gently as the wind blew from the ocean. The candle stood braving the wind flickering off with each breeze. Stephan immediately tried to light them but they blew out every time. He had made an effort to make it special for her and was still trying to do so.

She chuckled as she pulled at the back of his shirt, his attempts were useless against Mother Nature so he abandoned the candles. When he stood she saw the buffet that was laid down on the white linens on the sandy beach. Wine, chocolates, and grapes, she noted to herself how cheesy it all looked. Straight out of a nineteen hundred movie.

He held her from the back apologizing for the candles. All she could think about was how much trouble he went through for her. She wondered when he had the time to prepare all this and remembered his sudden absence.

“We have the stars. Those are all the lights we need.” She turned to face him and crushed herself to his chest. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” The once cold and distant man had finally opened his heart to love. She was grateful for the love he was showing her.

Scarlet kicked off her shoes and walked to the water and started dancing. This time he wouldn’t have to ask she would do it willingly, she knew it would make him happy and it was next to nothing compared to what he had done for her. 

She was humming ‘Ready to Love Again’ by Lady Antebellum. It seemed an appropriate tune. She was happy. She never took for granted what it took for him to get to where he was now. He had struggled with his past to be with her in the present. And maybe the future.

She swayed side to side and watched him take his pleasure from her dancing for him. He loved seeing her in the moonlight. She never thought to ask why. She always noticed when he would pull the blinds back when he thought she was sleeping. He always let the moonlight stream into her room. But she wasn’t curious enough to ask why.

He walked up to her, admiring each curve of her body as she danced. He had to have her in his arms, to kiss her. Scarlet was taken aback when he attacked her with kisses. She could feel his arms tighten around her and his lips greedily feasted on hers. Her head was spinning from it all. When he finally put her back on the ground she had to hold on to him for support. He loved knowing that his kisses made her weak. That he had this kind of effect on her.

“Come.” He was pulling her out of the water. “I want you to wear something for me.” He pulled her into the little makeshift tent. He pulled a little purple bag from under the pillows.

Scarlet recognized it and immediately her face was burning red. She knew what it was. She could remember the pleasure she got from his reaction when she had worn one of those the first time they were together.

When she took the lingerie out of the bag, it wasn’t what she expected it to be. It was a long white strapless flannel dress. He left her alone to wear it. When she did, she didn’t find it to be desirable. Besides her shoulders, it didn’t reveal much. The long slit on the side went up to her mid-thigh. She thought that it would do. Besides he was the one who picked it out.

He was lying on the sand, looking up at the moon. She walked slowly towards him, careful not to kick up any sand. She stood on top of him with a leg on each side of his body.

Stephan looked at her now. She had blocked his view of the moon. But he didn’t mind, how could he? It didn’t hold the same beauty she did and he was all too happy to look at her. He followed the slit on the side up to her thigh. He loved how the dress looked on her. It revealed just enough, the rest he would take it upon himself to see.

“You are beautiful.” His intense look didn’t even change when she smiled down at him.

“So are you.” She dropped to lie on top of him. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her back.

She pulled him back into the water. She wanted to feel the cool ocean surround them as they kissed. He picked her up and spun her around before kissing her. He carried her back to the shore laying her on the sand beside him. He rolled over and pinned her between his body and the sand. He looked into her eyes, stroking her hair over her head. She looked light a portrait, all the more beautiful in the night light.

 He gently kissed her. One of his hands was supporting his weight, and the other, traveling down her side. His hand pulled her knee up so her foot would step on the sand. Then he trailed up from her foot to her knee. Letting it slide down her thigh to her waist. Her skin felt like smooth velvet under his palm.

***

    Scarlet woke up to the sounds of the waves and the birds. She couldn’t imagine anything better than that moment. The previous night she experienced a side of Stephan she hadn’t before. He was so careful with her, so gentle. Her stomach fluttered from the memory of it. Somehow amid all the passion, he had managed to get them back to the tent. When she opened her eyes Stephan wasn’t there with her. She grabbed his shirt to put it on. It looked like a dress on her. She spotted him sitting cross-legged on the sand.

He could feel her walking towards him. He turned to look at her and couldn’t help but laugh. His t-shirt seemed to be wearing her and not the other way around. He opened his arms as she sat on his lap. She sat with her back against his hard chest looking at the ocean. He cradled her in his arms as they watched the sunrise from the edges of the water.

Chapter 17- NEW LIFE

Scarlet hailed down a taxi she felt good about the interview. Although she had waited for almost six hours watching as the other candidates were called in and as they left. She saw different reactions from each one of them. Some seemed happy and pleased, others looked confused and doubtful. While others looked like they were on the brink of tears.

She was nervous at first but when she walked out of the board room she was confident. She didn’t go with her originally planned answers because the questions were different. They focused on the field but mostly asked about her personal life. When it came to why she wanted the fellowship, she couldn’t help but speak about her parents and how the help she received helped her get through it intact.

Scarlet was heading back to the hotel she knew that Kayla would be less than pleased about the time but it was out of her control. She found her in the hotel room.

“So?” Kayla was hoping for good news.

“They said they will get back to me in two weeks. But am pretty sure I nailed it.” She was sure and was excited about it.

“So what did you do all day?” Scarlet was curious because she looked like she had gone out. She was also wondering why their suitcases were on the beds. It seemed like she was packing that wouldn’t have surprised her considering all she did was talk about Solara.

“I was thinking we could go out for dinner. We rarely spend time together these days. Then maybe we could go back home tomorrow.” Kayla chuckled once. She had missed Solara and couldn’t wait to go back home.

Scarlet laughed she was also anxious to get back home, a day without Stephan was all she could bear. She couldn’t wait to share her bed with him again.

“Definitely. But you didn’t get a chance to go down to the Post or don’t you want to do that anymore.”

 “I already did I thought we would save time that way. The thing is the only available flight out of Washington heading our way is at midnight so I booked it.”

“That’s ok we have time to explore our future home tomorrow. More girl time.”

That night they went out to dinner then a movie. When it still looked early they decided to hit a few clubs. Kayla decided and Scarlet went along with it.

The next morning they slept in they only woke up at noon. They packed everything before going out again. This time they followed Kayla’s guide visiting all the attractions, familiarizing themselves with the routes they would take when they got their dream jobs. The day flew by and they returned to the hotel at nine to get ready for their trip back home. They hadn’t bothered to call the guys to pick them up they were expecting them in the evening. They wanted to surprise them the morning of.

***

Stephan and Solara were still arguing about partnering with Mathias. He wasn’t ready to see past his anger.

“It doesn’t matter if he didn’t do it personally, but he killed her.” The emotion in his voice was evident. It hurt him just as much as the day he learned of her death.

Stephan felt his pain, he knew it all too well. That night he watched as she was killed but now there was nothing they could do about it. “You need to think about Kayla and Scarlet now. We need to protect them.”

He wasn’t sure what he had said but it made Solara’s anger worse. He charged at him shoving him against the wall. When Stephan’s back hit the wall it crushed in sending little pieces of stone flying. He pulled him forward to hit him against the wall again but Stephan swiftly got out of his grip and pinned him on the ground.

Vincent stood away from them with no intentions of getting in between the fight.

Solara struggle against his hold but couldn’t budge. “It’s your fault my sister is dead. It is your fault that Scarlet and Kayla are in danger. So why don’t you just leave?”

Stephan took a step back. Although Solara had spoken out of anger he was right. The hunters wanted him and no one else. He ran his hand through his black hair thinking about the new suggestion that was thrown at him. He could leave move to a different place where Scarlet would not be able to get hurt. But that also meant leaving her behind and a part of him didn’t like the thought of it.

He couldn’t be away from her as selfish as it sounded it was true. She had become part of his life and played a major role in it. But Scarlet would soon be going to Washington assuming she got the fellowship. She could go and he would stay in San Francisco. That way he wouldn’t have to leave and he would know where she was.

What would he tell her, nothing was tying him here. In the chance that she did ask him to move with her, what would he claim was holding him back?

He was wallowing in his thoughts when he caught a whiff of Scarlet’s scent. When he looked up he noticed he was not the only one.

“They are home early. I thought they were coming back tomorrow or did we make the mistake.” Vincent walked to the window hoping to get a glance at them. The two girls were getting their suitcases from the boot of the taxi.

“They wanted to surprise us.” Solara had a faraway look in his eyes. He was reading their thoughts, and they were excited to be home. The mess that they had created was sure to get their attention.

“The wall guys I am guessing we have a cover-up story for that.” Vincent brought their attention back to the huge dent on the wall.

“Hey, guys…” Scarlet was the first to burst in through the door, an excited look on her face.

She walked straight to Stephan and threw her arms around his neck. She was snuggling in his arms when she saw the wall behind him. Slowly she loosened her grip and in short steps approached it. With each step she took towards it she could hear the crushing of little cement particles under her feet.

She raised her hand and touched the wall. “What happened here?”

When she didn’t hear an answer, she turned around to face the three suspects. “Considering you are all standing not more than a meter from me, I assume you heard me.” She was livid not just because of the damaged wall but because no one spoke up.

Vincent lifted his hands in surrender and took a step back retreating from the line of fire.

“This is going to cost us a fortune,” she said in a whimper as she turned back to the damaged wall. Money was already tight for them. Considering the expensive trip they had just taken, they weren’t in a good position to be reconstructing a wall.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s our mess we will fix it. Right Solara?” Stephan glared at him. Although it was him who crushed into the wall Solara pushed him into it.

“Right.” He answered in the same low snarl Stephan had directed to him. “We will start working on it tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you get a professional to work on it?” Kayla stepped into his arms for a tight embrace. “So is anyone going to tell us what happened? Or don’t we want to know?”

“I don’t think you want to know.” Vincent shook his head as he answered her. What were they going to tell them? That Stephan crashed into the wall after Solara pushed him. Then they would have to explain how that was humanly possible. How there was nothing human about it.

“I will call someone in the morning Scarlet you don’t have to worry about it.” Stephan hadn’t noticed that the sun was up already and was streaming in through the cracks in the curtains.

“It is morning.” Scarlet went to him and tucked herself by his side. “Why are you guys up at this hour anyway.”

The guys exchanged looks thinking of what to say. What excuse would be appropriate?

“We were just fooling around when the accident with the wall happened. We were on our way to bed.” Stephan picked up Scarlet’s suitcase and tugged her behind him, “Am sure you are also tired so let’s go to bed you can rest. Then when you wake up you can tell me how your interview went.”

More than he was curious he needed to know how everything would turn out. He still thought about what Solara had told him. He was considering it but he wasn’t going to make any rash decisions.

They left the other three people downstairs chatting away. Kayla always seemed like she was powered by a nuclear plant. So unlike her, Scarlet’s energy source always run out too quickly. 

“Stephan, I was so nervous. But I think I nailed it.” She was excited again and tried to battle the sleep that was creeping up on her.

He loved seeing her so excited and so happy, so sure of herself. She had the confidence he only wished he had. If only he could be sure that his involvement with her would not take a turn for the worse, he would enjoy this moment with her. He would enjoy every single moment with her.

As soon as he tucked her into his arms she fell asleep. He listened to the rhythm of her breathing cherishing it.

The next morning just as they promised a couple of men were patching up the hole in the wall. The workmen were a bit shocked wondering what caused but they worked on it promising to do their best.

***

Stephan was thinking about taking Scarlet back to the beach that Friday night. He needed a proper way to thank and apologies for the damage his back did to her wall. But he would have to prepare first. He planned for them to spend the night there but wasn’t sure how to go about it. He wanted to make it romantic but he didn’t have a romantic bone in his body. Asking one of the guys would only make them torment him even more. Kayla wasn’t a good confidant, she had a no secret policy when it came to Scarlet. Those were the only people he knew except…

He watched Marcie as she busied about the diner. He thought he could ask her. He had never said more than two words to her at a time, but according to Kayla and Scarlet, she believed in happily ever after. Who better than a fairy tale believer, to help him with the perfect setting. He didn’t know how good she was at keeping secrets but he would soon find out. He waited for her to take her cigarette break at the back before he went to her. He used the front door so as not to look suspicious. Everyone was bound to notice if he followed the redhead through the kitchen.

He spotted her by the dumpster a cigarette in her mouth. “Hallo Marcie.” He tried not to sound so formal but couldn’t help it he didn’t know her.

He felt a little ashamed that the one time he would speak a full sentence to her, would be to ask for a favor. There was nothing he could do about that now he needed the help.

“Hey, Stephan! What are you doing back here?” her face beamed.

She was always cheerful. Stephan noticed a hint of Southern accent in her voice. He decided to move closer to her he didn’t want to look rude.

“I wanted to ask if you could help me with something. It’s for Scarlet and if I ask Kayla she will tell her. It’s a surprise.” He was going to appeal to her good nature if he had to. Scarlet had done something special for him. He was bent on returning the gesture even if he had to grovel.

“Sure. Anything for Scar. What do you have in mind?”

He saw that it would be easier than he thought. He told her the rough part of it and waited for her to fine-tune it. To use her fairy tale mind to help him create a fairy tale moment for the woman he loved.

Marcie gave him an idea and how to set it up, now it was up to him to execute it. He left Vincent to watch over Scarlet as he busied about preparing for the night. Some of the things he bought didn’t make sense to him but he still followed Marcie’s instructions. Armed with the piece of paper he went around town shop by shop buying scented candles, white linens, and wine.

He stopped by a women’s clothing store, he needed to pick something for her, technically for him but still thinking of her. He walked through the lingerie section, looking through the merchandise. Only one piece caught his fancy, it was not as revealing as the others but it suited her best. Now that he had everything he needed he ran to the beach to set up.

***

Scarlet was still at the diner, she noticed Stephan’s absence but didn’t think much about it. She knew it was nothing bad because he would have told her. She was dead on her feet and too tired to worry about the trouble he was getting into, she wished the day would end already.

Kayla had almost started a fight, as it was in her nature she didn’t back down when one of the rowdy men challenged her. Solara was by her side in a flash, tossing the man and his company out after insisting they paid their bill. Because no damage was caused Joany let it slide. Scarlet had watched from the sidelines grateful that Solara was there. She was happy that she would not be the only one dealing with the after-effects of Kayla’s outbursts.

She was attending to the last customer when Stephan walked in, he seemed more than unusually excited to see her. She returned his smile before she returned her attention to the customer.

Chapter 16- NEW TIDE

Scarlet and Kayla landed in Washington, the next day she would know which direction she was going to take. It took them almost six hours to get there. It was late they decided to go straight to their hotel for some rest the exploring would have to wait until the next day. While Scarlet prepared for her interview, Kayla was flipping through the city guide she had bought from the airport.

She planned to drop by the Washington Post, to get a feel of the place in case she got in next fall and also in case she didn’t. She wanted to know how it looked like if her plans fell through. Her almost admittance did not guarantee her a spot during the next intake, she needed to scope the place out. Scarlet turned in early leaving Kayla to her planning. She had never been this nervous as she lay in bed she rehearsed what she was going to say in her mind.

***

They had a couple of hours to hunt and only had two days to get the others to their side. He knew it would take a lot more than a mere conversation he would have to figure out how much he could give them. When they got back to the car, Vincent had gotten his color back. His skin was clear of any marks when he stood under the bright sun. They were all well fed and they could last for a week. When they got back to the car they drove towards San Jose. Vincent was nervous about dropping in on the other vampires but didn’t have much of a choice.

When they got there Solara noted that nothing had changed. They still lived in the dark dirty place he wondered how they could stand living like that. Since he had been with Kayla he got accustomed to the human way of doing things. He was much neater and was aware of his surroundings. Scarlet was a neat freak so whenever he was at the house he picked up after himself. They waited at the door, they knew that the others had sensed their presence. When the door opened the same old man opened the door. Solara wondered whether this was the only reason they let him stay with them, to open the door for strangers.

He stood aside, giving them way into the house. It was just as stuffy as the last time they were there. They made their way to the living room the old vampire walking behind them. The odor of dried up blood immediately hit them. They couldn’t help but breathe it in, they may be against the killing of humans but they still were vampires. They watched as two of the vampires stacked up dead bodies while two others carried them out to dispose of them. Considering that the dead bodies were still fresh the stench wasn’t so bad. 

Stephan hoped that they would burn the bodies to not draw suspicion to themselves. He was evaluating his idea of asking them to join with him. He wasn’t too sure he wanted to be associated with them. Bringing them into the fold may compel him to tell them about Scarlet and Kayla. What would stop them from making a meal out of the two girls?

But he needed them to help against the Conselho he would keep the humans to himself for the time being. They stood there watching them feed on the last of their prey, Stephan was relieved that they had thought of hunting before they came here. He didn’t know if they would have had the restraint that they did now.

From a dark corner, they heard someone speak his voice was deep and cracked. “I see you are back and you came with the mighty Stephan Jeraldi.” A burst of evil laughter escaped his throat.

Stephan stiffened he knew that laughter all too well. He took a step towards the dark corner trying to see the face of the voice. His eyes widened in shock.

The man stepped out of the shadows with his arms stretched out as if waiting for an embrace. “Now my old friend won’t you come and greet me as you should.”

Stephan’s body grew hot he was livid. His silver eyes turned blood red and he clenched his fingers into fists at his sides. His shoulders heaved up and down in tune to his ragged breathing.

“Mathias!” he took a step towards him.

Vincent reached to grab his arm to pull him back. They weren’t here to fight on the contrary they came to ask for help and attacking the vampire who seemed to head the clan was not wise. Solara grabbed his arm and shook his head.

“They served together for the Conselho. It was before your time but it didn’t end well.” Solara tried to explain to Vincent.

 “You got Zen and I kicked off the guard. You can’t hold it against him for what he did can you?” Loath dripped from Mafias’ tone. “I had nothing to do with what he did. We parted ways after he turned you into Marquis.” 

Stephan kept his stance. He looked like he was about to attack him he tried to calm himself down. Phasing wasn’t in his best interest at the moment. Mathias being the leader of the clan posed a problem he wasn’t about to ally with the person who killed…

He heard a feral growl from behind him, when he turned he saw Vincent struggling with Solara. Stephan had forgotten about that small detail. He stepped back to restrain him, a fight would not end well for them, and they were outnumbered.

“YOU KILLED MY SISTER!” He was still fighting against their hold, his arms stretched out towards Mathias trying to grab him.

Mathias took a step back he was in shock, “Your mate was his sister?” he was looking at Stephan a questioning expression on his face. “I think it would be best that you leave. And if you do come back please leave the young one behind or tell him to control his temper.”

Stephan and Vincent each took one of Solara’s arms. They dragged him out of the house him resisting as much as he could. Stephan knew he would have to go back he didn’t have a choice in the matter. He shoved Solara into the car and walked back into the house.

“Mathias! We need to talk.” Stephan went back to where he had left him, he was still in the room but was pacing now. Stephan stood toe to toe with the vampire. He was a foot shorter than Mathias but was bigger. He knew that he would not be able to defeat him if he was just a vampire especially because he only fed on humans. But Stephan wasn’t just a vampire and the combination of both species always worked in his favor when it came to strength.

“We need to talk about the Conselho. They are reeling all their former guards back in.” He didn’t give him a chance to answer anything he was saying. “If you are interested in joining forces to resist this call me.” He dipped his finger in a spot of blood on the floor and used it to write his number on the wall.

“Then and only then will we fight side by side. But if you ever come to me without good reason I will kill you for the sins of your brother.” He wiped his finger on one of the seats before he turned and left.

Back in the car Solara had calmed himself down he had a faraway look and Stephan knew what was on his mind. He recalled the day he came to him at the diner. He was focused on avenging his sister’s death and now he had come face to face with the one vampire that linked her with the perpetrators.

***

Scarlet was in a taxi on her way to nine hundred twenty third street northwest. She rehearsed the speech in her head, she almost had it remembering to pause and breath. She had left Kayla back at the hotel now she wished she had brought her along. When the taxi stopped in front of the hospital entrance she began to hyperventilate. It took her a while before she composed herself.

She stepped into the hospital and she was in awe at how big and sophisticated it was. Although it was painted white like all the other hospitals, the walls at the reception were adorned with pictures. The heads of the hospitals, the important people who visited the hospital, and the volunteer causes they were involved in. She pictured herself walking through the halls, helping the little children deal with loss or the confusion of it.

She went to the reception desk to hand over the appointment card the university had forwarded to her. She was immediately led to another reception room where fifteen other hopefuls waited their turn. She was nervous about the odds she wondered whether she could beat the other fifteen to get a place in the fellowship. She took a seat and waited for her turn.

***

They were halfway home and all that Stephan wanted was to crawl into Scarlet’s bed. To lie where she did every single night they were together and take in her scent. To him, home was where she was.

“Stephan I hope you are not planning to team up with the man who killed my sister.”Solara finally broke the silence in the car.

He didn’t know what to say to his anguished friend. When Push came to shove they wouldn’t have a choice but to rely on Mathias’s numbers. “Only if we have to. So let’s hope that we don’t.” He hoped that they wouldn’t.

All he wanted was to live a quiet life with Scarlet without wondering what was coming after him next. It wasn’t the kind of life that he wanted for them or her. He had no plans of uprooting her life. He was glad that she was in Washington chasing her dreams. He hoped that she could catch it, it was something that she wanted for herself. It did mean that she would have to move but he didn’t mind he would follow her wherever she would go as long as she wanted him.

Chapter 15- NEW TIDE

She woke up the next morning happy, her whole body relaxed. How could she not be the night was perfect, more than she had ever hoped for. Stephan had been gentle and considerate with her. Although he didn’t seem pleased when he realized she had kept her virginity a secret, he understood. It was too late to turn back at that moment.

Stephan held her in his arms his finger running up and down her spine. If only they could stay like this forever. He loved the feel of her in his arms he always had, but this morning was different. He was able to control himself and didn’t hurt her like he thought he would, he had made sure to check her body for bruises while she slept.

When she stirred in his arms he knew she was awake, but didn’t want to rush her. He tightened his hold around her, bringing her closer to him. He began planting kisses on her arms and fingers, and when she began giggling he pulled her on top of him.

“Beautiful. It’s time to wake up, I think you have dreamed enough for a lifetime.” He used his fingers to comb through her ruffled hair. She lifted her head to look into his eyes. She kissed him ever so lightly it was like a feather’s touch. He had to pull her back when she started nuzzling his neck. There was only so much he could handle.

“I called Vincent and told him to cover you for a while, any longer than that and he will be picking up your paycheck.” He laughed when she groaned, his whole body vibrated with his laughter. She laid her head back on his chest to snuggle.

 “Babe is there something wrong with your heart.”

Stephan pulled her off him, he had made a mistake and how was he supposed to explain this to her. His heart barely beat because the vampire’s hearts didn’t beat and the beast’s heart raced. And he was right down to the middle, so his heart skipped.

“It may be because you are lying next to me naked, so it’s reacting to your beauty.” It was the lamest thing he had ever said, but it would have to do. He got off the bed and tossed her nightgown at her. He already had his jeans on, he left the room he didn’t want to risk her noticing anything else not human about him.

She came downstairs half an hour later with his T-Shirt in one hand and her purse in the other. He was reading the paper on the kitchen counter, there were also two cups of freshly brewed coffee on the table. He didn’t favor the stuff much but had to keep up with appearances.

“Sweetie, I thought you would need this. The last thing we need is my neighbors going crazy over that body of yours.” She tossed the shirt to him, with a smile on her face. He was beautiful, he always turned a couple of heads whenever he went out. But they didn’t matter to him only she did.

She picked up her coffee and drunk it while she sorted the house out. She hated any mess of any kind. He often wondered why she would pick one of the most disorderly people he knew to live with. As soon as she was done they were out the door. Although she saw did this every day of her life, today she felt that the sun was brighter and the day felt alive to her.

They got into the car and as soon as they were on their way he brought up the previous night. “Scarlet, why didn’t you tell me that you were a virgin?”

Her face mottled with color because of embarrassment.

“Because I knew you would back out if I did.” She stroked his cheek and kissed his hand, she was going to use her advantage to get out of this one. He knew what she was doing, he couldn’t be angry with her when she was being affectionate. She had that power over him and she knew it and wasn’t afraid to use it.

“You should not have kept it from me I could have hurt you. But I guess it’s fine.” he laughed at himself more than anything else, he had been defeated by a single kiss.

Scarlet couldn’t remember any pain from it, all she could feel was pleasure and happiness. All she wanted at that time was for him to holder tighter. She was happy and nothing else had mattered to her.

When they got to the diner, Solara was at his usual table alone, Vincent had an apron on and was bussing tables, and Kayla was having a not so polite conversation with one of the customers. At times he felt that Solara enabled her rudeness by sitting at the diner.

Solara was a big guy but not bigger than some of the men that came into the diner, but he had one of those looks that made many men think twice about facing him. When it came to Kayla he was worse, she was his just like Scarlet was Stephan’s and he would do anything for her, even if it meant being a bully for her.

“So how did it go, any animal sightings?” Solara was being his usual annoying self this morning.

“She is walking so that’s a good sign. At least we know every part of her is intact, no broken bones.”

Strangely enough, his jeering didn’t have its usual effect on him, nothing could anger him this morning. He saw Vincent turn in his apron to scarlet he seemed glad to be released of the duty, but some of the young ladies weren’t so pleased. He sat in a chair next to Stephan and eyed him curiously.

“You look extremely pleased with yourself big guy. I take all went well.” He was chuckling again and wasn’t subtle about it.

“You know I could break you in half for that but I don’t want to ruin my good mood.” Although the jokes didn’t bother him, he wasn’t going to entertain them for Scarlet’s sake. He knew she would only get embarrassed if she heard what he was saying.

“Vincent I want to ask you about a very sensitive matter. I know you would rather not talk about it, but we need to know what we are dealing with.” Stephan needed to know about Victor and how deep his animosity ran. If he leads the hunting party, he wanted to know what his reaction could be towards the two human girls and the other humans around them.

“Would he hurt you intentionally to spite you? Are you on good terms, and most importantly, does he deal with things directly or indirectly?” Vincent understood what he meant by that. His brother was not the kind to use other people to obtain his objectives. He would not hurt the people he cared for, human or otherwise.

“I made sure he understands the choice I was making, and yes he is ruthless but he does not cut corners. If he wants something he goes for it directly. He does not believe in threats or final warnings and he wouldn’t hurt me intentionally. He is my brother, but as for now I can’t say for sure what he is.” He couldn’t confirm that Victor hadn’t changed, he could only hope he was still the same.

Stephan was tossing the possible outcomes in his head, none of them had a happy ending. He would have to tell Scarlet everything before anything happened. He wondered if Solara had any intentions to tell Kayla. Maybe they could do it together at the same time.  It seemed more comforting having him there facing the same thing. Knowing Solara he would find a way around it, come out of all of it still intact. There was something very cunning about him, he had the charm to make any woman see things his way no matter how idiotic it was.

***

Earlier that week Scarlet had gotten a letter from the university informing her of the response the department had gotten on her behalf. It was concerning her application from the George Washington State Hospital psychiatric Department. 

She had to go for an interview before any other steps were taken to confirm her fellowship. Scarlet was happy because she knew that she was being considered. They only invited shortlisted candidates for interviews. GWH was one of the best hospitals in the state and they required the best. She would have to do her best to impress the panel if she hoped to get in.

 “How about Vincent goes with her, she will be safe.” He was giving Stephan the ‘protection detail’ pitch. He thought he could get him to see how much safer Scarlet would be with a vampire instead of a human.

First, the suggestion of a vampire being her (a human someone he could feed on) only contact ridiculous. He trusted Vincent but the idea didn’t sit well with him. Secondly, Vincent’s scent had already caused them enough problems. He didn’t want anyone tracking it assumes that he was with Stephan and finding Scarlet instead. He would take his chances with the two humans going alone. No one threatening knew they were connected to him so they would be safer together away from him.

He also needed the two vampires with him, he wanted them to take him to the defectors they had gone to meet. He had to convince them to join him somehow. They all needed each other he needed them more. In the event, the hunters came knocking and they were more than the three of them could handle they would come in handy. He knew he would have to offer them something in turn but was not sure what.

“No Solara they will only be gone for the weekend. Three days, before you know it, it’s Sunday and they are here.” 

Stephan held Scarlet as tightly as he could take all that he could to last him through the next three days. “I love you.” He whispered in her ear before he let go.

It was cute how pathetic he looked, looking for someone else to escort Scarlet to Washington. There was no doubt that if they were at the diner he would have asked Marcie or one of the other waitresses, or one of the customers.

Stephan placed his hand on Solara’s shoulder as they waved goodbye, once the girls had disappeared into the crowds of people at the airport. “If you were human or if I was sure it would have an effect on you I would have recommended alcohol.” He patted his back and walked to the car laughing.

Vincent was already in the back seat, his head lowered to his knees. “And what’s your problem.” He sat in the driver’s seat and watched him through the rear-view mirror. “Oh come on not you too.” He chuckled and started the car.

He loved the sound of the engine coming to life. He had put a whole lot of work into the car it was his pride and joy. Solara got into the car his expression hadn’t changed.

“Hey, can you and your girlfriend sulk somewhere else.” Stephan used his head to point in Vincent’s direction, whose head was still on his knees.

“I don’t know what you are sad about. Vincent none of those two girls is your girlfriend. Solara man up, Kayla isn’t the one going for a job interview in Washington, Scarlet is.” He shook his head in amusement before he sped away from the airport.

It felt good to drive his car as fast as he wanted. None of the occupants in the car was easily harmed. He listened to the roar of the engine as he increased his speed. He weaved through traffic with ease, speeding through traffic lights just as they turned red. Speed gave him a rush.

“So Vincent if you are up for it I was thinking we should visit your friends. I thought we could try and strike a deal with them. A partnership of some sort.”

“I don’t think they will agree to that. You are not so popular with them. Besides who wants to go to San Jose now.” Vincent had stopped sulking. 

Stephan’s intention of going to the vampires wasn’t a good one. He wasn’t a coward but he was interested in self-preservation and walking in there with Stephan was hazardous to anyone’s health. Solara chuckled under his breath. Unlike Stephan, he had an all-access pass into Vincent’s head. He was right about all of it Stephan attracted trouble from all the creatures of the world. Now it was the vampires and the beasts hungry for the power he had.

“Vincent I wasn’t asking you.” Stephan hated being a bully but at this time he needed to use his power as leverage. This was something that had to be done. If he could get all the vampires in the Bay Area on his side, he would feel a bit more confident if he had to stand against the Conselho.

“Sure why not.” Vincent’s tone sounded defeated. What choice did he have? As much as Stephan posed a threat to his immortality he was also the best chance he had for surviving this problem.  

It was noon and the sun stood at its highest. . The sunlight was streaming in through the clear windows, and Vincent sat his body against the door. Stephan looked at the mirror so that he could be able to see Vincent’s expression. He hoped that he had not offended him. He still looked a bit down as if he was yearning for something. As he lowered his head from the mirror he caught a glimpse of something else. Marks were forming on his neck they seemed to come from his chest or somewhere hidden by his shirt. He pulled the car over to the side, they were almost home but he didn’t want to risk it.

“Vincent take off your shirt.” He could see him hesitate and his patience ran out. “Vincent now!”

As he pulled his shirt over his head more tattoos formed on his arms, they had covered most of his chest and were traveling up his neck. Wherever the sun hit more would form. Soon they would cover his face and the monster in him would be released. Vincent had gone for weeks without a drop of human blood and now it showed.

He watched as the tattoos spread through his body, he knew his eyes would be next. He had to get some blood in his system or sit somewhere there was no light. That was not possible considering there was no room to hide in the mustang. He would have to sink into the seat so that the other drives wouldn’t catch a glimpse of him.

“Solara how did you miss this. Didn’t you hear him thinking about his thirst?” Stephan turned on Solara, he had the power to see everything they thought but how did he miss this.

“Stephan I don’t spend all my time with him, I was with Kayla the whole day and besides he is an adult. He is more than an adult he should take responsibility for himself.” Although he was mad he also couldn’t believe how he missed it.

This was dangerous especially since he had let him sit in the back with the girls. How did he bear to be sandwiched between them and not attack them? Solara admired his restraint but was disappointed by his carelessness.

“I kept thinking that I could hold it for a while. I was planning to hit the blood bank tonight before going out hunting.” He was being honest he didn’t want to miss Kayla and Scarlet when they left. He was every bit attached to them as they were.

“Fine. Tonight we all feed. We’ll go to San Jose after we are done.” It was a good idea, they all needed to feed. 

Tonight was a good a time as any, they had time to feed and visit the hunters. The girls were gone for three days so there would be no distractions. That night they hit a blood blank and took a pint each, it was more than they needed but they thought they needed the extra boost. They were able to run to Langunita-Knolls forest it was far enough but not too far to take time.

Chapter 14- LUNA LOVE

The next couple of weeks were quiet. Stephan was practically glued to Scarlet’s side the entire time. And when he and Solara had to check out a couple of leads Vincent took over, they didn’t want them to be left unattended at any time. They also thought it would be wise for him to avoid any situation that would bring him closer to his brother. Earlier that week he revealed something else to them that didn’t sit all too well with them.

Vincent and Victor had another connection besides them sharing a womb, they shared a mind. They could see in each other thoughts and minds, they could practically communicate with each other without any one of them talking. But this only happened when they were within a five hundred or so mile radius of each other. Because of this, they limited all they told him about their plans. They could not risk it.

Scarlet noticed the change of mood and attitude in Stephan. She didn’t ask him about it partly because she hoped he would come to her about it, and partly because she was too afraid to find out. When she had asked him about his job he said he had money, so she didn’t push the issue. She thought the money came from the work he did before.

Earlier that week Stephan had taken his mustang out of the garage. He thought it would be best, he rarely went to the garage and he wanted to get behind the wheel again. Scarlet didn’t see anything special with the machine and didn’t understand his attachment to it. Neither did she understand why Solara and Vincent were in awe of it. She figured it was a male thing. She was happy about one thing, her run-down Clio could take a break now. With the two cars, she didn’t need to use it at all, Solara and Stephan were always the ones driving. Her girl was getting a well-deserved break.

He needed to get a hobby or a job, something other than watching her all day. It made some of the customers uneasy especially the rowdy ones. Joany didn’t mind them, she thought it was a good thing, they kept order in the diner.  Their presence sent drunks staggering back to their holes and the barbaric ones seemed to have found their manners.

She loved having him around, and he was never alone Solara was always with him watching Kayla with the same intensity he was watching her. Vincent always lightened up the mood, he was a comedian and had a tender heart. She admired the way the two older men took him under their wing though they had only known him for a couple of weeks. He had also become a permanent resident in their home. She was happy with the small crowd at their home, it was much more fun and entertaining.

Scarlet thought of how much she would miss this. Once she got her new job, Stephan wouldn’t be allowed to hang around her like this in a formal office setting. She wondered how much their lives would change once she and Kayla moved to Washington. She hoped that they would all move together. Nothing was keeping them here anymore. Stephan had let go of both the apartments he was keeping. He and Solara gave Sotera’s things away to goodwill. Nothing was holding them here anymore, they could now move forward.

Kayla was leaving with Solara tonight. They were going to spend the night at his place. They did this a couple of times before. They wanted to spend time alone, the rest of them took it as code for sex, and they didn’t want any interruptions. Their intimacy at the time made Scarlet jealous, Stephan didn’t feel that they were ready for that kind of step at the time.

***

Unlike Solara, Stephan had never been intimate with a human before. He didn’t know how to handle a fragile body when his own was in need. Besides Solara and Stephan were different, he didn’t phase when he was under pressure. He decided to put it off as long as he could, even after the pep talk Solara had given him. He didn’t trust himself to be in control or to have the power to restrain himself in that situation.  Scarlet had been dropping subtle hints about it but got more aggressive when she sent him to the pharmacy for a packet of condoms.

She wanted to be with him, but he didn’t trust himself enough. He remembered the day he phased when he was with Sotera, the passion was too much for him to bear. He transformed into a werewolf and had broken a couple of her ribs. The fact that she was immortal and could heal helped the situation. But Scarlet didn’t possess such healing capabilities, he would wait as long as he could.

“Hey, thought I should give you a heads up.” Solara slid into the booth next to him while Vincent took the seat across from him. He abandoned his thoughts and concentrated on what his friend was saying.

“What about?” Stephan was curious but didn’t think it was that important Solara looked very calm, and Vincent kept snickering under his breath.

“Kayla says that we are heading to my place tonight and has invited Vincent.” So far he hadn’t anything that concerned him, nothing out of the ordinary except for the fact that Vincent was tagging along with them tonight. “Scarlet wants some alone time with you. So I kind of took a peek into her head.” He raised his hands in defense when Stephan turned his whole body to face him, he didn’t like it when Solara invaded her private thoughts, especially when they concerned him.

“Anyway she has something planned for you, and since the lingerie in my car isn’t for me, sadly, I’m guessing it’s for you. Well for your benefit anyway.” Solara laughed he knew how it terrified Stephan, to be faced with the sex thing after he put a lot of effort to avoid it.

“Is this according to Kayla or did you see Scarlet plan this.  And how extreme is it exactly.” Stephan heaved out a distressed breath, he would have to come up with something to distract her. Leaving her wouldn’t be an answer the others seemed to already have plans. Since Kayla had made the plans no one was about to go against her for him. It was amusingly odd considering he was the powerful immortal.

“According to Scarlet, plus I technically saw what she bought. Its lace,” he said it as if it was good news and Stephan should be happy with his present. “If you ruin this for her she will be hurt, so if I were you I would start thinking of where to put the excesses. I have an idea why don’t you use your shield to filter your strength.”

 Stephan’s eyebrow rose questioningly. “That’s not a bad idea. The problem is I don’t know if it will work.” It was worth a try, he didn’t need to concentrate that much when it came to his shield he was strong enough to hold it up.

“Have faith.” This time it was Vincent cheering him up, but his uncontrollable laughter only managed to annoy him. He was falling off his seat. Stephan was glad his predicament amused someone, as for him it was more serious than he could imagine. He had faced a lot of danger in his life but nothing frightened him as making love to Scarlet for the first time.

He spent the rest of the evening on pins and needles. Scarlet’s lingering stares didn’t help at all, and her creeping smiles only set his body on fire. For a second he fantasized about making love to her, but that was often squashed with the thought of him hurting her.

 Closing time came too soon for him, as for Scarlet the night had been the longest she had ever had. She was excited, she was going to surprise him. This would be her first time with a man, she was terrified yet she looked forward to being with him. They had known each other for almost a year and had been together for the better part of it. She thought that it was now time, besides he always spent the night in her bed but this would be different.

They waved bye to the rest as they walked to Solara’s car. Vincent was still snickering and it was getting on Stephan’s last nerve. He had other things to worry about, something that would require all his immortal strength and concentration. He tried to buy himself time by driving at an unusual pace. He always loved speed and the fact that a car crash couldn’t kill him made it all the more thrilling. But today he would settle for a slower pace.

When they got to the apartment he lingered outside, using the stars as a pretense. He tried to show Scarlet all the constellations that were in the sky, but she knew all of them already, and soon gave up on that idea. He tried to get her to look out into the darkness, trying to make the black night sound more beautiful than it was. That also didn’t work out well, her mind was set.

Scarlet reached to the back and brought out a bag, it was purple with pink paper sticking out of it. He finally realized what it was, the test to his sanity. No ordinary man would turn down such a well thought out gesture, but he wasn’t an ordinary man. With nothing else to distract her, he followed her into the house.

“Wait here for me. I will be back in a while.” The tone in Scarlet’s voice was a note deeper laced with seduction.

He didn’t know what theatrics she was playing at but since he was now out of options and did as he was told. Dropping into the armchair, he tried to play out the night’s upcoming events in his head but it only made him more nervous. He opted to sitting and patiently waiting for her.

A quarter of an hour passed, he wondered whether she had changed her mind, or if she had forgotten about him and fallen asleep. He hoped and besides, it had been a long day and she did look tired. Tonight he could settle for holding her as he usually did, but doubted that was all he would do.

Just as he was getting comfortable she came down the stairs, she dimmed the lights in the room for the right effect. He got to his feet as she walked towards him. There was nothing he could say at that moment. She looked beautiful in the black lace, she let down her hair and it cascaded on her back.  She was a vision to be adored.

Her gaze burned him with intensity, she took his hands in hers and looked up at him. “I know you are a bit reserved about this, but it’s what I want. This is the next step.”  She put her hand on his face stroking his cheek with her thumb.  “So be with me now and don’t think about anything else.” She turned and pulled him behind her, and he followed watching her body move from the back, her curve accentuated by the lace.

When they got to the room he could see that she had put a lot of thought and effort into this night. She had set their stage well. Candles dully lit the room, rose petals scattered everywhere and she did her best to make herself delectable.  He was not going to disappoint her, he would try his best. Backing out now would only hurt her feelings especially because she wouldn’t be able to understand why. Telling her the truth about his identity now would ruin everything.

She was so small compared to him, up close to him she looked half his size easily breakable. “Have you any idea how much you mean to me?” Her words touched his heart. Yes, he knew she loved him, as he loved her she was the most important thing to him. He responded by kissing into her palm, he could find the right words.

“More than words could ever express.” Emotion filled her voice as she talked. Tears were welling in her eyes. This night meant more to her than he ever thought.  

“Make love to me, let me feel your soul kiss mine, your arms embrace me and your eyes ….” she paused trying to control her voice. She didn’t want to scare him off by pressuring him to fulfill her every dream. But she couldn’t control herself, she wanted to be bare before him.

“Let them see right through me. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you.”

He would give her all she asked for. He pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it to the side. She was stunned by his body and the muscles as they ripped with each move he made. He held her close to him, she ran her hands over his muscled back. She had always imagined him to be beautiful but not like this, he was perfect.

“Only if you will have me.” His voice was rough and rugged, full of his emotion. He would be gentle with her, make her happy. He dipped his head to kiss her, closing his eyes he kissed her deeply needing to feel her lips on his and her petite body in his arms.

She wasn’t prepared for the ferocity of his kisses but welcomed it. Her heart was racing, she was nervous and terrified yet so happy. He could hear her heartbeat increase, he laid his hand on her chest and asked her to trust him. He lifted her off her feet and gently lowered her to the bed. The moonlight streamed in making the beauty of the night even more precious.

They drowned in their love, in the night with the moon as the only witness to the passion and love they had for each other.

 He was perfect. She was his.

Chapter 13- A CONSTELLATION

“Scarlet, I know I owe you an explanation and that there is nothing that I can say to make this look like what it’s not.” she was still silent. “I could not bring myself to let this go. This is all I have of her and getting rid of it would mean erasing her. I can’t do that.”

She turned the picture to face her, “She is beautiful, and does look like her brother around the eyes.” She then put the picture on the sofa and cradled her knees to her chest. 

“Remember the last time we talked, I told you that I wouldn’t push you about your past. And I won’t. I just need to know this part. The part about Sotera and her apartment, because I have this feeling you didn’t tell me everything. So please tell me about the love of your life.” She was bordering hysteria at the moment. Her calm voice didn’t hide the hint of desperation in it.

He thought about going to her, but at that moment it seemed hypocritical. He closed the door and walked towards the sofa, and sat once he picked up the picture. She was beautiful, but she wasn’t the love of his life, not anymore. He stroked her hair and she didn’t cringe away from him that was a good start.

“I won’t deny that she holds a special part of my heart but she is not the love of my life. You are, ever since I saw you there was something about you. I have told you this before and saying this again won’t sound any different.”

She raised her head before she spoke, “That is not what I asked you.”

He sat on the floor, pulling her legs to wrap around his waist. It would be hard to say it out loud but she had to hear it. “It was my fault she died. My past life caught up with us and my previous employers killed her to teach me a lesson.” His voice was surprisingly strong, he tried to hold on to it, but her eyes cut through it. 

“Why do you still hold on to the pain? You don’t see what you are doing to yourself. Keeping this apartment is you torturing yourself and holding on to the guilt and pain.” He looked so defeated, the pain had dealt him a hard blow, and the woman who saved him was killed by the very thing she saved him from. “Stephan you need to let this go, to let her go. I know she loved you, I can see it in this picture. I’m sure she has forgiven you the same way Solara has. Now you have to forgive yourself.” She ran her fingers through his hair and cradled his head on her shoulder. “Baby you need to let this go let her go. We won’t survive this if you keep living in the past.” She needed him to understand her and what she meant. He had to understand how this would destroy their relationship.

She held him and stroked his hair for a while. “Can I ask you something, how many times have you been here since we were together?” She needed to know, it wasn’t a fair question, at the time but she needed to know.

“A couple of times, when I’m here I feel like she can hear me. The last time I was here is when we went to my place. When you fell asleep, I had to come here, to tell her about you, to tell her that I had fallen in love again.” He looked into her eyes hoping to form a connection with her that she would understand.

She remembered what he had said to her the next morning, you asked me to hold you while you slept. She didn’t need to remind him about it, instead, she told him about the conversation she had with the building manager. Her eyes were swollen and red, he could barely look at the evidence of the pain he had caused her. “Where are you going to put all her things?” she looked around the room, there was a whole lot of things in her apartment.

“I think I should give them to Solara, he would know what to do with them. But I would like to keep some things if you don’t mind that is.” He held up the portrait of himself and her. She wasn’t sure she wanted a reminder of his love, around her but she couldn’t deny him this. 

 “I am going to get a box for it, you won’t have to see it if you don’t have to.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I think you need it.” She sighed and got on her feet. 

“I think I should go to work now. Do you mind dropping me I am sure Solara will bring you back here? The two of you could decide what you want to do with her things. What you want to keep and what he should keep.” She gave in to it, she had to accept it or risk losing him. She gave the room a final look and walked out, she hoped that it was the last she saw of it. 

They needed to move on past this, past her to find their life one that she did not shadow. At that moment she remembered what he had said about her death. She turned around to face him, he was halfway out the door.

 “About your previous employers, do you think they would come back now? It’s been seven years right since you last saw them. They won’t bother you now.” She was worried afraid of facing the same fate as Sotera.

“You don’t have to worry, I already thought about that and I won’t let them hurt you. You could say I’m more prepared this time.” He flashed her one of his grins.

 “Thank you for loving me enough to understand. I will protect you with my life you don’t have to worry. Let’s get you to work now.” He knew they hadn’t forgotten about him, but Vincent’s new information had given him hope. 

He pulled her against him in a tight embrace, he buried his head in his hair and inhaled the sweet scent of her hair. He wanted to get lost in her hair, her arms that were around him. To bathe in every tear that she had shed for him, to cover every inch of himself in it. At least he knew how to get stronger. Strong enough to protect her. He placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked away from his past. 

***

“So where have you been this morning.” Joany was asking the questions now. She wasn’t in the mood to argue with her. 

“Kayla is covering for me, and I am working through both our breaks. But if that doesn’t satisfy you, you could cut out the hours I missed from my paycheck.” Scarlet walked past her to the back to get her apron. 

Solara gave Stephan a bewildered gaze. “I’m I right to assume she didn’t take it that well, or she let you off the hook and decided to take it out on the rest of the world.”

Stephan sat across him and nodded, “The latter, I don’t think she can find it in herself to be mad at me. I won’t lie a part of me is glad, that I’m not getting the worst of it. But that’s because she feels sorry for me.” He shrugged at that moment he wouldn’t ask anything else of her. 

Scarlet had dealt with a lot the past couple of months. Although she had to deal with his past love and she did it well, he wondered how she would react to his immortality or the fact that he wanted to kill her the day they first met.

He was deep in his thought when a different kind of smell filled the air. “Solara do you smell that?” 

Vincent came through the door and rushed by their side. “I was at the garage and I could smell something too familiar. You guys can’t tell me you didn’t catch that.” 

Solara leaned his head to the right and he followed it. This was the last thing Stephan needed at the time. He had already had a rough time and couldn’t take anymore. 

He walked up to the two visitors and asked him to step outside with him. Once they were outside Stephan’s anger took over. “What do you want? If the elders sent you, you can give them my message, no. I am not going back, nothing you offer me can convince me and I do not care about what you want.” He changed his stance as if he was ready to attack. Vincent and Solara stood behind him ready for anything.

“Your lack of manners astounds me, it may be because you are a half breed. I more than anyone, do not want you back. It is my army now and you returning will only make me you are second in command, if not third, they also seem to favor this young one who stands with you.” The vampire spoke with hate in his voice. It seemed he wasn’t coming to take him back to the Conselho but to chase him off. “I came here ahead of the hunters to warn you, they will be here soon. The young one’s scent led us here, so you need to leave. We have watched you for a while and if you favor your human friends you should leave or rather lay low.”

“That’s fine I have had enough of all of you,” Stephan explained the visit of the beasts, he thought they should know that he didn’t want any part in their feud. 

The vampire in turn explained how it would be wise for him to stay clear of it. After giving him the warning he then promised to keep the hunters away from the area which according to him was a head start, but he would have to leave everyone else behind. Stephan’s scent wasn’t distinct and at times undetectable, he would need to be alone so as not to be discovered. That was not a choice he was willing to take, he wouldn’t leave his friends behind. They had become his family.

“Young one, Victor sends his regards. The fortress just isn’t the same without the both of you together. You complemented each other. Sadly, you decided to betray us. Go against your friends and family.” The leader spoke this time directly at Vincent, he pulled the last word expecting it to have some sort of effect on Vincent. He seemed to know him well. 

Vincent nodded in acknowledgment he seemed glad about the message. Stephan and Solara were confused but decided to sort it out once their visitors had left.

 “We will be on our way now. Please enjoy your evening, give our sincere apologies to your humans for the intrusion.” His lips curved into a grin, he knew what they were so defensive about, and the knowledge of this had given them an edge. Stephan knew they would use this against them when the time came.

***

They watched as their guests walked away. His past was getting too close for comfort. He thought about Solara and Kayla they could have their shot at happiness, all they had to do was get far away from the half breed with a bull’s eye on his forehead.

 Vincent would have to use his talent to get to the other side of the world as fast as he could, considering he was also a target for the Conselho. He didn’t see him as his second in command, but stranger things had happened. Scarlet, what would he do about her if he had to run? He couldn’t leave her behind she had gone through so much already and he wasn’t about to break her heart. He would have to keep the promise he made to her this morning. He didn’t have any other choice.

“What are we going to do Stephan, this feud is coming too close to home to ignore it. I won’t have Kayla and Scarlet put in danger. You know them one can’t function without the other so we have to make these decisions together.” Solara was worried about the girls, he knew Scarlet would want to go with Stephan if he decided to run. Kayla would insist on going with them. Running away didn’t make any sense because it wouldn’t make a difference they would still be together.

“I don’t know what we are going to do, I’m going to have to think about it, figure something out. I hope we can rely on him giving us a head start as he so subtly put it. Vincent what do you think.” He looked over at his young friend. He welcomed all and any input.

“At this moment I think Solara should take the two girls as far as away as possible. But I don’t think you can stay away from Scarlet, but if Push comes to Shove we will have to consider it. You will have to come to terms with it.” 

“Vincent who is Victor?” Stephan needed to know, now that their young friend had left too much of himself around to be traced. He needed to know if he was someone of interest and what danger he posed. 

“My brother.” he flinched at the words as if they were too painful to say out loud. Stephan wanted to ask more but Solara’s light but firm touch on his arm stopped him, instead, he watched him walk back to the diner his head hanging low.

“Victor is Vincent’s twin, he left him behind. He wasn’t comfortable with what they were doing, but his brother relished it. He is ruthless the exact opposite of his twin. He isn’t happy about being separated from him, but he had to find his own. His brother seemed happy and when he refused to go with him, he left him behind. And from what I got from the vampires, Victor led them here, he is a tracker.”

At that moment Stephan understood what was meant about them complimenting each other, Victor would track and Vincent would catch them. They cut the workload in half. He knew all too well how valuable Vincent was to them and understood why they wanted him back. Vincent was an asset and with the two of them together, they would have an incredible advantage.

They had to remain separate or Victor had to join them, he wasn’t too sure about it. Victor loved the hunt and the kill. He wouldn’t fit in this life. They brought out the true meaning of good twin and evil twin, the opposite side of a coin. He had to find a way of making this easy for him, family should never go against each other despite the reason or the situation.

 They went back into the diner. The girls were sitting at the booth with Vincent, his usual smile on his face. They were a good distraction for him. Stephan looked at Scarlet and let her beauty soak into him, he would have to quit his job, he now had a new one. He had to protect Scarlet and to do that he would have to be around her all the time. He didn’t mind it, and if there wasn’t an immortal trying to rob him of his happiness he would enjoy it. She was beautiful, the little she knew the better. He didn’t think her worries would come to life so fast, but he had made a promise.

Chapter 12- A CONSTELLATION OF TROUBLE

When they got back to the diner later that evening, the girls were still working. The three of them sat at their normal booth and briefed Stephan on what happened at Pacifica. “They weren’t all too willing to go to combat against the Conselho, they said they only would if their freedom was at stake and no other reason. So the trip was practically a waste of time.” Solara gave his view on the matter. If they would not be able to rely on them when the fight came to them they would not stand a chance.

“You should have mentioned Stephan to them. They would have backed you up, mostly out of fear but they know that he can lead them as no one else can.” He recalled how Solara had shut him down on the thought of suggesting such a thing.

Stephan knew he must have had a good reason not to. How could one argue with him, he had access to everyone’s mind, he knew more than all of them combined. 

“You could have put us in a position that we wouldn’t have been able to handle. One of the guys there wasn’t his biggest fan. As you were introducing me to them, I was looking into their thoughts. That one guy, once you mentioned his service unit I could see him imagine killing Stephan ten different ways.” He winced at the memory, “You know how to win a crowd, don’t you.” he punched Stephan playfully on the shoulder. 

“It’s closing time, we should get a move on. Where are you crushing today?” Stephan asked Solara, he thought he had something special planned. Kayla had been talking about it the whole time he had been there alone.

“We are going back to my place why do you ask.”

“Nothing I was just wondering.”

Once the girls were out of their aprons they left, Vincent walked across the street to his new home.

Stephan and Scarlet were on their way home when she asked him if he knew what Solara was planning. He shrugged his shoulders he didn’t know any more than she did, than what Kayla had told her. They walked into the house, at that moment he knew something wasn’t right, there was a scent he didn’t recognize, one that didn’t belong. He pulled her back outside the house and gave her his phone.

“Call Solara or Kayla, whoever will pick up first, then call Vincent to tell them to get here as first as they can.” He stood beside her, he thought of going in to investigate but was afraid to leave her unprotected. He couldn’t go with her inside, what if she saw something that he couldn’t explain at that moment. 

Five minutes after she hung up, Vincent was at the house, Stephan had given him instructions and he disappeared into the house. She could hear tires screeching to a halt behind her Solara was here. Kayla came out of the car and ran towards her, she wore a worried look on her face.

There is something in the house, stay here with the girls I’m going in after Vincent, I sent him in ten seconds ago and he isn’t out yet. 

Solara nodded and took the girls back into the car. He locked them in, it was a bit ridiculous considering what was in the house couldn’t be stopped by the locked door, but it made the girls feel safe. He stood at the front of the car his arms crossed on his chest. He then decided to tap into what was going on, he heard three minds he didn’t recognize. The strangers seemed to know Stephan and Vincent at that moment he concluded who they were. He continued to listen in, from what he could hear, he could tell they were on a diplomatic mission.

“I know what they want from me and I am not interested. I am not going to take sides in this feud.” Stephan was mad now he couldn’t understand why his past kept dragging him back. “Vincent, go check on Solara, tell him to come in and you keep watch outside.” He didn’t want them to know that they were guarding humans just outside the door. He didn’t know how they would react, but he also didn’t want to give them something they could hold against him.

“Beasts?” Solara had walked into the house. How did they know where to find him? The fact that they came straight to the house was what worried him the most. 

“What do they want?” He directed the question at Stephan but continued to hold his gaze on the beasts. He always considered them as beasts, but he thought it best not to voice it out. He may be on the same side as one of the most powerful supernatural creatures in the world, but he was not about to test their patience especially with Scarlet and Kayla nearby.

“I think you can answer that for yourself, and I’m certain that you can guess what my answer to them was,” Stephan answered irritatingly. Their presence was bothering him, and the longer they stayed the more irritable he became.

The biggest of the three was the first to speak. Something about him reminded Solara of the bullies who would pick on him when he was a frail human. “I see that you would rather support the vampires than us. It is reasonable considering they created you. But they also have taken so much from you.” he was glaring at Solara now.

“Yeah well, I think we are just cooler than you are!”

“Solara this is not the time for that,” Stephan spoke quickly he didn’t want the situation to get out of hand. Think of Kayla. With that single thought, he backed down.

Stephan stepped forward, he had had enough of it all, “my friends and I do not want any part of your feud. We left that life behind a long time ago. Now we live among humans peacefully. I do not want any problems. Now could you please leave and don’t come back.”

Their three visitors left without saying a word. As they walked out of the house, Stephan worried if they had taken the scent of the two humans who lived here. He hoped that his and the other two vampires scents were strong enough to mask it.

Vincent came in with the two girls after he was given the all-clear. They knew that there would be many questions, especially from Kayla. Solara had his hands full with that one.

“What was going on in here? Did someone break in or what? And why were we locked in the car for fifteen minutes? Someone, please explain.” as it was expected Kayla spoke up first.

The house was as they had left it in the morning so a burglar story wouldn’t fly with her. “Stephan thought he saw movement in the house, but it was nothing. He was just a little worried about Scarlet. It was nothing babe.” Solara pitched his story to Kayla hoping she would buy it. At first, it didn’t look like it, but she took the story anyway.

“Babe I know you had something planned but could we just stay here instead. Stephan’s paranoia has worn me out, and I don’t want to spend more time in that car.”

 “What about you, love, are you tired. Want to get some sleep.” Stephan had her in his arms, rocking her side to side. 

She sighed and nodded, “Yes please, I’m a bit exhausted. You scared me for a while, but I guess you had good intentions. Vincent why don’t you crush on the sofa, I’ll get you a pillow and some covers.”

***

“Sure thanks.” He plopped onto the sofa behind him, for some reason the events of the nights had him shaken, if they could track them the Conselho couldn’t be far behind. At that moment he realized he wasn’t able to check upstairs since he had encountered the visitors in the living room. Solara’s head snapped up he had heard his thoughts. He nodded towards him as if asking him to go and check. 

What would be my reason for snooping? He thought that Solara had an idea for that, either way, he would only need a second to check. Over Kayla’s head, Solara mouthed kiss her to Stephan. In times like these, he wished he could project his thought into other people’s minds. 

Stephan didn’t understand what he meant but he did it anyway. As they pulled away from the kiss Vincent was already back. All clear. 

When the girls went up to fetch some bedding for their new friend, Stephan asked Solara what had happened. “I needed Vincent to check the top floor, he didn’t get a chance to the first time.”

He realized now more than before the kind of danger that they were getting the girls into. On his part he would sacrifice anything for her, he knew he had to protect her no matter the cost.

The next morning Stephan and Vincent left early for his apartment, he was going to get the rest of his things, though the only thing he had there were his clothes, he didn’t want any part of him back in that hole. He wasn’t going to go back, every part of him hoped that his relationship with Scarlet would work, his life was with her now and he would do his best to make her happy.

***

Scarlet walked down the stairs, Solara was going to give her and Kayla a lift to work that morning, she could hear a phone ringing. No one was answering it, she searched for it and found it on the kitchen counter. It was Stephan she decided to answer it, she didn’t think he would mind. They were together now and there were no secrets between them. She flipped the phone open and placed it on her ear, “Stephan’s phone, Scarlet speaking, how may I help you?”

The man at the other end of the line had a deep voice, it was a bit soothing to her, “Hello, may I please talk to mister Jeraldi, it’s about the apartment he is renting from me. May I please have a word with him?” Scarlet thought it was odd considering that he was at his apartment at the time. She didn’t want to think that he was lying to her.

“Isn’t he there? Anyway, would you like to leave a message I’ll make sure I pass it along to him?”

“Sure, could you please tell him the building has been condemned and is being shut down he needs to come and pick his belongings? If he could do this as soon as possible I would appreciate it. Thank you.” scarlet was curious she needed to know where it was.

“Sorry if it isn’t too much trouble, could you tell me where that is, I could come and start early?” she hoped he wouldn’t ask her too many questions about it. She had her eyes shut wishing he wasn’t the confidential type. 

There was a long pause before he spoke again, “Ok its telegraph hill apartments on Lombard Street. Apartment number sixteen. As soon as you can do it I would appreciate it.”

As soon as she hung up the phone she dialed the cab service, she couldn’t ask Solara to take her, he probably knew what his friend was trying to hide and he would not allow him to warn him. Fifteen minutes later the cab was here. She had refrained from telling Kayla about it until she was about to leave. They were still in her room. 

As soon as she heard the cab’s horn she called out to Kayla and asked her to cover her until she got to the diner. She ran out the door before she heard what she yelled back to her. There would be no distractions until she knew what he was hiding. She didn’t understand why he would keep to apartments and choose the damp to live in. considering it was getting condemned she thought it was worse. She gave the cab driver the address and got lost in her thoughts, it wasn’t long before they got there. It was practically around the block. 

The building was practically falling apart, she walked towards the door ready to jump out of the way, in the event a piece of it fell from above. She decided to take the stairs the lift didn’t seem like a good idea, besides it was only four flights up. People were moving furniture were stacked on top of each other in the hallways. She stood in front of door sixteen, she took a deep breath, before she used the key the superintendent gave her, it wasn’t easy it took a lot of flirting on his part. She turned the doorknob and took a step of faith.

Her jaw fell at what she saw. The room was colorful, it had a sweet jasmine scent, and it was clean and organized. It was hard to believe that it was part of the catastrophe of a building that she had walked through. It was beautiful, it had a peaceful serene feeling about it. She walked through it, she couldn’t imagine why he hadn’t brought her here before. 

She walked towards the mirror and froze at the reflection, she turned around and walked to the picture across from her. She was beautiful, her curly hair fell around her face bringing out her eyes. Her features were mesmerizing, and he had his arms around her, he was staring at her. Anyone could see the love in his eyes. He was happy with her.

She felt around her bag for Stephan’s cell phone she assumed he was still with Vincent, and if not he would be at the garage. 

***

Solara and Kayla were at the diner, Stephan didn’t see Scarlet with them. He walked into the diner with Vincent at his side. “Where is Scarlet, she isn’t sick is she?”

Solara took a seat before he answered, “She said something about having to take care of something and asked Kayla to cover her shift.”

At that moment Vincent’s phone rang, “Stephan why are you calling me?” he felt his pockets and realized he didn’t have it. He thought that it may be Scarlet using his phone.

 “Give it to me. Hello?” they watched as Stephan nodded agreeing with the person at the other end of the phone. “Am… ok sure. I will be there in a while.” Stephan was swallowing hard. His already abnormal heart was beating at an abnormal rate now. He grabbed the chair beside him, he let his shield down for Solara to hear him. 

She found Sotera’s apartment. 

His eyes were wide now, an appropriate reaction to the situation, he cleared his throat and went silent. 

“You should go now and try and fix it.”

Stephan left, he wanted to run down to the apartment but didn’t think it was wise. How would he explain arriving there two minutes after her phone call without a car? He tried to think of an excuse to tell her, but nothing seemed sufficient. How could you explain to your new girlfriend why you were holding on to an apartment of your dead girlfriend? He pulled up to the apartment building. He had to face her and answer all the questions she had, honestly.

He pushed the door open, she was on the floor. Her legs were crossed and she held a picture frame in her hands. He knew what the only pictures there were, Sotera and his. She looked up at him she was quiet. She wanted to give him a chance to explain himself.

Chapter 11- STARRY NIGHT

They waited until they heard the car move out of the driveway down the street. “Okay Vincent, tell us why you are here, besides running away from the Conselho. What are your plans, precisely when are you planning to leave. As you can see we don’t need to attract attention to ourselves at the moment.” 

They had human girlfriends who didn’t know anything about their real identities, and they weren’t ready to reveal their true selves just yet.

“So you guys are dating humans. Awesome, so what happens when you are under attack? Are you going to use them as bait?” Vincent laughed at his gag, the other two men in the room were livid.

“Listen to me, any more jokes like that and you are out.” It was Stephan who spoke, trying to keep his cool, trying not to get over the edge. 

“You guys need to chill, I told you most of it. Do you want me to start from the beginning for your friend?”

Solara nodded at Stephan. “I got it, pick up from where you left off.” 

Vincent was confused, after a few seconds, it dawned on him. “Do you like, read minds or something, that’s cool? Ok anyway, they sent hunters out for the both of us. They aren’t about to take no for an answer. So if I were you I wouldn’t keep the humans.” 

They both ignored him. Although they didn’t want to bring them into harm’s way they weren’t about to give them up.  

 “We need to think of something Stephan. You lived with these vampires for over three centuries, think of something that they wouldn’t.”

They had to come up with a plan that would ensure Scarlet’s and Kayla’s safety. This was Stephan’s war and he wasn’t about to accept another casualty.                           

 Stephan thought about heading to Rio before they came for him. There was no doubt in his mind that the Conselho men would kill Scarlet if they found out that she was the reason he insisted on living amongst the humans.

“One thing is for sure, no vigilante missions.”

“We need to come up with a way to protect them, Solara you more than anyone should understand.” 

Stephan was getting worn out, being hunted wasn’t something easy to handle. It was exhausting. Now they had another person to add to the pile-up. They didn’t know what to do with Vincent just yet. Where would he stay, for now, they couldn’t let him go just yet they may need him for something, and considering his behavior he didn’t think he would mind. 

“Vincent is there any more like the two of you, defectors. Or didn’t the rest of them being mentally enslaved?” Solara was concentrating on him. He didn’t need him to answer him, he just needed him to think about it. The smallest window and he would be able to get all the information he needed. In a second he took all the thoughts that streamed into his head. Vincent was about to answer when he waved him off.

“Why do you keep doing that?” He sounded frustrated, but Solara didn’t care much. “Doesn’t this annoy you?” He directed the question at Stephan.

They both ignored him. “Stephan, since you spend most of your days here, why don’t you give him your place. He doesn’t need much.” He played around with the suggestion in his mind before he answered.

“I have to run that by the girls first. I’m assuming Kayla will still be living here. So I need to know that she doesn’t mind. Besides, it’s a good idea I can keep an eye on them while you hunt and vice versa.” He didn’t think that Scarlet would mind, she would love it. It was a good thing he decided to pack a bag. 

The girls were back, they walked into the house laughing. They had a bag of snacks and some DVDs. “We are officially prepared for movie night, we got two chick flicks and an action movie.” They dumped the bag on the kitchen counter and placed the DVDs on top of the T.V.

Stephan took Scarlet’s arm and pulled her to the side, he was going to discuss with her the arrangement that they had come up with. He wasn’t worried about her answer, he could pretty much figure it out. 

“Hun, I wanted to ask you something. Vincent needs a place to crash, Solara came up with an idea that I thought I should run it by you first. He thought that the kid could stay at my place and I could…I could crash here.” Scarlet reaction amused him and made him feel a bit smug, she jumped in as he finished his last words.

“Sure. Yes of course you can stay here.” She tried not to sound so eager but she couldn’t help it. Though she was happy he was moving in, she was worried that it was too soon after his revelation the previous night. It didn’t matter much to her but it worried her still. “So when are you going to bring your stuff over, should we go pick them up now or later.”

Stephan laughed at her impatience, he thought that maybe it wouldn’t be a good time to suggest he takes the couch. It would not affect him because he didn’t sleep. “I suspected that I may have to stay the night with you again, so I packed a bag, it’s in your trunk. I will get it later”

Her eyes were wide with excitement it took a lot of self-control to stop her from jumping up and down for joy. “So when are you moving in roomy,” Kayla called out from where she stood in Solara’s arms. They spent every second of their time together. Stephan wondered what would happen if they had to be separated considering it could happen any day from now, he wondered how his friend would cope without his other half, right next to him.

Stephan answered her with a smile on his face, strangely enough, Kayla didn’t mind an intruder in their home. “As soon as possible, I just have to get some stuff from my place.”

“As soon as now, he has got some clothes in the trunk, anything else he can get later.” Scarlet had tucked herself by his side under his arm. She fit so perfectly there, so small yet so strong.

“Hey guys I have a better idea, we don’t want Stephan to go through all that trouble how about I move in, and…” he abandoned that line of thought when he could feel the two larger men’s eyes burn holes in him. “Ok, ok I get it.” Vincent was now mumbling to himself.

***

The next morning they were up early. They each had work to do. Stephan was going to the garage, the girls to the diner. Solara was going to pick up his car and Vincent they were going to meet some of the defectors. They thought it was wise that Stephan didn’t go along with them if one of them would seek favor with the Conselho by turning him in. 

They all left in Scarlet’s car, the two men seemed to occupy most of the room in the car. She always knew her Clio was a small car but today it seemed smaller. When they got to the diner they each went their respective ways.

Vincent waited for Solara by his car and soon they were off. They were going to San Jose, running there would have been much faster but they didn’t want to scare any humans that they would meet along the way.

“Tell me how Stephan was during his days as a warrior. I imagine he was much different from what he is now.” Solara was curious, Stephan never spoke about his past, and whatever he had in his mind was hidden away, as if in a different compartment from all his other thoughts and memories. 

“Just talk, I’m interested in having an actual conversation with you and not your mind today. But anything idiotic comes out of your mouth and you are on mute.”

Vincent wanted to challenge the threat but he thought it immature and dangerous. He also wanted them to take him seriously and see him as an equal. “I only served under him for a decade or so, but what I can say, what I witnessed the first few hours with him, was that he was ruthless. The other guards had told me that he was a half breed, created by the elders and a beast they had captured, so his heart still beat. But the way he acted said otherwise, he was worse than a hundred dead vampires combined. He didn’t care much for humans or creatures. To him everything was dispensable. 

“I remember once a guard had openly defied him, Stephan created some sort of force field inside the vamp and stretched it out. He exploded, there were shreds of him everywhere. And there was this one time we went out training, one of the guards kept getting his ass whooped, he phased into a panther, dark as night, he lurched for him took his head in his mouth after that all I remember hearing is the sound metal shredding. When we were all able to get a good look, the vampire’s headless body fell on its knees. He then phased back and put its head on its outstretched hands, and walked away naked as if he had just been picking up daisies or something. Mercy was something he didn’t know very well.”

Solara was looking into his mind as he narrated the story, it was as graphical as he told it. Vincent’s face was screwed up, the memory had left a bad taste in his mouth, who could blame him. At that point, he thought that if he was this ruthless when Sotera was being attacked she would still be alive. But she had softened him up, with his diet at the time he didn’t stand a chance.

“I must say I was a bit surprised he didn’t kill me when I jumped him, but I knew he would want information first so I risked it.” He chuckled, Solara could sense deep fear behind his amusement and thought to reassure him.

“Stephan has changed a lot. He has been through a lot to get to where he is now. Don’t worry about it.” As much as it was true, he hoped that when the time came, he would be able to use some of the power that Vincent had just shown him. Solara knew that he had changed his diet after meeting Scarlet, just as he did. But their new friend had revealed to them a better solution. He would feed on his kind, but only if he attacked him or Kayla. He assumed that Stephan wouldn’t be opposed to that.

“Are you sure we can trust, these acquaintances of yours? If they could betray creatures as powerful as the Conselho, why wouldn’t they betray us? Especially if it would benefit them in the end.” Solara needed to be sure. At the moment they weren’t prepared to handle any attacks, especially with Kayla and Scarlet around. They had to come up with a plan that would cover every possibility. Each angle had to be covered to ensure their safety.

They were a few minutes outside Pacifica, soon he would meet the other former guards. He needed to know where they stood concerning the Conselho recall. He hoped they would be able to have an understanding, and if it came to it they would fight together. They drove towards a two-story house. Solara peered in through the window, it was dark inside and looked abandoned. 

“Are you sure there are other creatures in here, it looked abandoned?” Vincent knocked on the door, they walked in when it opened. They walked to where the other vampires had gathered, they were about six in the room. Once they were all acquainted Solara informed them of what was happening he hoped that they would be able to ally.